Jobs have been secured at an automotive supply firm after landing a long term deal to work on the next generation of Land Rover models.

ZF Lemforder UK suffered an “alarming” fall in sales last year as a result of the recession but managing director Terry Somerfield said demand had picked up in 2010.

And jobs have been secured at the firm’s plants in Solihull and Darlaston after the firm extended its six-year partnership with Land Rover to work on all chassis corner modules for the next Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and Discovery models until 2020.

Mr Somerfield said: “Like most companies, the previous 12 months saw volumes drop at an alarming rate so to emerge from the global downturn in such a strong position is excellent news.

“The nomination for the next generation of Land Rover vehicles is a massive step forward for the business.”

The automotive driveline and chassis technology company employs more than 330 people in the West Midlands and generates more than £82 million in annual sales in the region.

The announcement was made by ZF Lemforder UK during a visit from Meriden MP Caroline Spelman, Secretary of State for the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and Simon Griffiths, chief executive of the Manufacturing Advisory Service in the West Midlands.

The company recently won awards for its resource efficiency and financial management at the MX Awards, which focus on the manufacturing sector.